I found myself completely at a loss this week for a blog post {besides the candy cane hearts}. In light of what is happening in Haiti, my minor little “irritations” paled in comparison and I wondered if I would be misunderstood {even judged} if I shared about a travelling husband, broken heat that resulted in frozen/busted pipes … typing and backspacing. Typing and backspacing… it’s a tiring little process, especially when I recognize how very blessed I am… mentioning nuisances seemed absurd.
On one hand my life is likely not much different from yours and I often find myself wondering who would want to hear stories behind pictures like this {below} and on the other hand I absolutely love being a mother and find great pleasure in sharing both the ups and the downs along with the recipes, renovations, and crafts… it’s the deciding of what to share and how to share it that causes me to get a little tongue-tied.
But seriously, do pictures like this even need words? Maybe a caption like “if you keep the Cheerios out of the reach of an 18 month-old rover they will not be spilled”.
But when you discover that said 18 month-old loves to sit quietly at a table looking at books, making car and animal sounds you will forget about the 238,932 Cheerios that were spilled.
Despite minor earthly irritations this week, all in all, it was a good week. A week that started last weekend with an all-adult dinner with friends, good food, and good conversation… and was followed by resuming our small group on Monday night, more dinner and fellowship on Tuesday night with friends, resuming CBS {Community Bible Study} on Wednesday which I’ve decided I need in my life for accountability, and we ended the week, yesterday, with the girls having some friends over to play. Our week was full…
Our week was also, thankfully, accompanied by warmer weather which allowed for a little treasure hunting in the dirt patch that refuses to grow grass in our front yard.
In other news, I am excited about participating in Craft Hope for Haiti and contributing to their ETSY shop… check it out… fabulous donations from artsy/crafty folks and ALL proceeds will benefit Doctors Without Borders in Haiti! I’m still trying to decide what I will donate… and I’ll keep you posted on that. I also encourage you to get involved as well– either by shopping there or contributing. You don’t have to have an etsy shop to participate— they take care of everything for you! All you have to do is make and donate your handmade craft! Or shop there with the confidence of knowing that your money is benefiting the Haitians in need!
See y’all soon with another recipe… happy weekend to you!
Beth
January 16, 2010 at 11:40 amI think acknowledging our normal lives helps us keep grounded in times like this. When I see things like the tradgedy in Haiti it makes me stay home more and hunker down. It was fun to read about your week.
grace
January 16, 2010 at 12:15 pmwhat a great post darby. i’ve cleaned out my entire closet and donated everything to haiti. if i can help just one person, then that is good enough for me. i hope many are praying, contributing, and donating as well.
on a lighter note, i experienced the same cheerios episode the other day, with a full costco sized bag. i felt horrible to have wasted it all, but what can you do. i took pictures, and i think it will be funny to look back on.
i hope you have a wonderful weekend with your family!
Melanie Gore
January 16, 2010 at 12:28 pmWhat wonderful photos of the kids. Yummy little one at the table makes me smile. I remember those days of cleaning up messes from my now 15 yr. old son. Time flies. I don’t know where it went. Enjoy every minute of it.
Stephanie
January 16, 2010 at 12:39 pmI feel the same typing about our {also} broken heat last week or even recapping our trip to Disney – it felt so wrong. But life goes on – and we are not to blame for what happened – but we are to be held accountable for what happens AFTER. You’re doing a great thing and can’t wait to see what your donate to ETSY!
Bless you cheerio covered little heart 😉
Lindsay Lee
January 16, 2010 at 12:41 pmI am a huge fan of your blog! Your pictures are gorgeous and your kids are just adorable! Thank you for sharing your honest opinion on life. Hugs!
Ashley
January 16, 2010 at 1:15 pmDarby, I couldn’t agree more – it’s very hard to find much wrong with our lives here in happy Alabama, considering the devastation just south of us. Thanks for sharing that opinion, too!
Funny, I just bought that same Old Navy dress that Paiger has on – for next year. I think w/ the 75% sale, I paid like $2! Not bad!!
Courtney
January 16, 2010 at 1:27 pmHi Darby, Thanks for your post. The news in Haiti really brought me to a standstill. I just can’t get past thinking of the many many little ones who are already fatherless or who are now orphaned because of this tragedy. This devastation hits the most vulnerable the hardest. I am thankful that God has used this event to show me my own vulnerability and need for Him. I too am having a hard time reconciling the difficulites that I am facing in light of so much hurt in the world (or down the street).
I am praying that in light of this time I can be more generous, more thankful, and more quick to share the Hope that does not disappoint.
Courtney
Holly @ Times Two
January 16, 2010 at 1:43 pmI love this post! And the pictures are gorgeous. Isn’t it amazing how much community and accountability can do for one’s encouragement to stick with it and serve him whole-heartedly!?
Tyne
January 16, 2010 at 1:52 pmHey Darby, I made a similar post yesterday after my kids tracked wet, sticky Rice Krispies all over the house, and dumped out baskets of folded, clean laundry. And then a gentle reminder from the Lord of the tragedy in Haiti made me recall my blessings… So today I am handling the minor annoyances of a SAHM with more grace and joy. A cup of cold, clean water should bring me immence gratitude.
Thanks for your honest and encouraging approach to motherhood. It is a great stewardship with great reward.
Nikki
January 16, 2010 at 2:59 pmNothing makes this teacher happier than to see your sweet rover using what we call his “tracking finger!” I hope he keeps it up. I so enjoy reading your blog and the everyday happenings at your house. You have a wonderful family. I saw your husband one day at Mama Goldbergs, and I swear I stared at him for forever thinking that I knew him, but how? and then it hit me that I have seen his picture on here… celebrity or what?!!
Lori
January 16, 2010 at 3:13 pmYour posts bring us much needed joy. I, too, am a teacher, and loved seeing your little blonde bundle of energy reading his books! My two used to be blonde boys are now almost 16 and almost 19. We have many pictures that are very similar. They are rarely at home, now. One is gone on a ski trip. My older son leaves to back to college Monday. Reading your daily accounts bring so many memories to many. To others whose children are still young, it makes them feel not so alone. Keep sharing. It made my day!
Kara
January 16, 2010 at 3:32 pmso well said, Darby. I’ve felt the same way myself this week. I love craft hope… I just found out about it… I’m going to go buy something soon! I’d love to donate, but I’m nervous if I make something it will look a little TOO handmade…. 🙂
Meredith
January 16, 2010 at 3:32 pmThanks for the information about the etsy shop. I just ordered something!
Lauren
January 16, 2010 at 4:12 pmDarby,
I love reading about your “everyday life.” It is very encouraging to me as a mother to know that there are others out there that have to keep on living the life God has given us even when tragedy is all around us. When I want to go out and “do something” I remember I have a mission right here in my home. Not that we forget those in need (my husband and I have donated to the Haitians) but that we keep our focus on the work God has given us at this time. Your kid’s photos are so adorable. I just got a Canon Rebel T1i for Christmas and I’m playing with it a lot these days 🙂
kendall boggs
January 16, 2010 at 4:26 pmHey Darbs!!! After doing a tutorial on my make-up bags on my blog I realized just how much time you actually put in to blogging! I just hope it gets easier cause it took me FORever!!!! Check it out, you made my blog. (You are my hero!) Very nice about the Etsy thing. We’ve donated but I still my do something else.
Have a great day girly!
kb
Sara D.
January 16, 2010 at 5:20 pmI am ALWAYS torn by what goes on my blog, because it is just a snapshot, and not a complete picture of my life…but, I do believe that so many people are drawn to your blog because there is much to learn and be encouraged by! Sharing the trials of motherhood is one of the greatest ways to understand and see our need for a Savior–it is hard, HARD work and impossible all on our own! Just be encouraged that there is a purpose behind every trial big and small–including cheerio spills and closet organizing!
Joey
January 16, 2010 at 5:27 pmDarby! Craft Hope for Haiti is an amazing idea! Thanks for sharing! You’ve inspired me to spend time with my sewing machine tonight to help out! Loved the Cheerio picture too!
Claudia Leger
January 16, 2010 at 5:36 pmDarby-somebody has to tell you…the Duck spilled the Cheerios’! Really!
Craft Hope for Haiti is awesome…
Alli
January 16, 2010 at 5:49 pmGlad to see I’m not the only one that forgets to put the cheerios out reach! 😉
I love all your pictures, they are so cute, but still so real. that Craft Hope for Haiti sounds like a great idea I will be sure to pass it along!
keep the great recipes coming!
Kera
January 16, 2010 at 6:00 pmDarby:
I love your blog, but don’t comment. This post compelled me to do so. I had the same thoughts earlier today…and I really feel that as Christians that we are allowed to live our lives everyday as God has planned for us. And, when things like Haiti happen, we can go to Him to talk about them and pray for those affected. And if we feel compelled to donate, make things like you are doing, or whatever, we should do so. But, I don’t think we should feel bad about our own situations or feel that we are insignificant. Because to God we are not! We should continue to strive to be examples to those around us because you never know who is reading/watching and learning from you. And who you are bringing closer to God by your example.
Keep it all up-LOVE the blog, all of the tutorials. I just got finished making a couple if dish mats and love them!
Chris
January 16, 2010 at 6:13 pmYour little guy reminds me so much of my little brother , looks so much like him when he was a little guy too, he was the youngest in the family , so cute.
Jennifer
January 16, 2010 at 6:36 pmI felt, at first, horribly guilty about our house being under contract, and even saying anything about it…but it WAS a blessing from God and needed to be shared…that’s the conclusion I came to. Oh, how our lives are put into perspective in times like these! Thanks for sharing the Etsy shop-I’m going to check it out!
Also, I FEEL your pain with the busted pipes! That is NOT fun! Too much experience in that area! And Erick once suggested we have a rug under our dining room table. LOL. I clean those cheerio-like messes 3 times a day and sometimes more…can you imagine having a rug under there when they are actually milk saturated cheerios?
Have a great weekend!
Mandy
January 16, 2010 at 7:57 pmThanks for sharing…never second guess your posts…they are modest, humble, real and heart-felt and that is why we all read! The pictures are precious! We have the same pjs and book for my 1 year old Rover~we call him “Brother”…Sorry about the pipes…that is not fun! Have a good rest of your weekend! Love, Mandy
Kaela
January 16, 2010 at 8:03 pmI am a loving the picture of Paige in the bathroom. It’s so full of depth and on second glance, a little revealing. Kinda like driving through neighborhoods at dusk, when you can glanc into peoples homes and maybe a little into their lives. That one picture is a lot like your blog, pretty to look at, but real too, giving us all a little glimpse into your life. That’s why I read you, if I wanted to read about perfectionism I’d google, “perfect + housewife + mom + blog” , I’m sure I could find something. Keep on keepin’ it real, Darby!
Kaela
January 16, 2010 at 8:09 pmOops, forgot to explain why I like the photo so much : the first time you see it, you see Paige wearing glasses, that’s it. Second time, I saw her little body posing for you on the bathroom counter, baby brother beneath her, and mom taking a silly picture of her cute girl! Love it!
Katie
January 16, 2010 at 9:45 pmLookie there, lookin’ at that book! Preciousness… Can I eat him up…really, please?
Brittan
January 16, 2010 at 10:07 pmBed time was later than usual tonight so we just quickly read “My Big Rescue Book” Do you have that one? My boys love it! Thanks for sharing life with us. Sometime when we hear you celebrate or handle a tough moment gracefully we are encouraged to do the same.
sarah
January 17, 2010 at 7:49 amdid the duck slip on the cheerios?
mag
January 17, 2010 at 9:45 amI also feel sheepish complaining about things in life, as it is so insignificant to what is happening in the world. Doing what I can for others helps, but I also think if I dont look after my own family, then I am contributing to the problems. The Cheerios are hilarious, what a good mom you are for laughing about it!!
kat
January 17, 2010 at 11:37 amHi Darby. I think it is wonderful that you are donating to the Craft Hope Etsy shop. I bet if you donated some dish towels, the ones you use under your dishes that are drying in the counter, they would sell in a heartbeat.
Blueprint Bliss
January 17, 2010 at 5:04 pmI’m off to check out Craft Hope- thanks for letting me know about it. –Brooke
andi
January 17, 2010 at 5:47 pmPrecious post, love that little cheerio spiller…I like his little feet waiting to step and crunch. I could even go so far to say how much that taught him-cause and effect. But, will refrain as that never made me feel better. The Os get spilt much less now-enjoy your days with that little guy. It goes too fast. Tomorrow is hair day-ummmm, we’ll see if I can actually do it. Second guessing.
Ashley
January 17, 2010 at 7:45 pmWhat a great way to show some love for Haiti. Thanks so much for sharing! 🙂
Christina
January 17, 2010 at 9:53 pmGreat thoughts and thank you for sharing about Craft Hope. I bought that adorable “milk carton”.
Carole
January 18, 2010 at 7:25 amJust found your blog and love it. Your children are so adorable!! I could just eat them up. Lucky you.
Laura
January 18, 2010 at 8:46 amI love your blog and look forward to your new posts – thank you for keeping it real! Craft Hope – what a wonderful idea!
Tara
January 18, 2010 at 11:54 amI had cheerios on my floor this week too. The kids had them in their rooms, the only bad part is that I spent $3 on them. My CloClo sais she wants to eat them anyway :’ One day I will want her little self to be back spilling cheerios on my floors. The Haitian children will be blessed with crafts.
Mary Frances
January 18, 2010 at 12:20 pmDarby…a few years ago a close friend and co-worker asked me why I looked forward to Friday nights at home with pizza and a video for the kids…it’s not anything special, just ordinary…don’t you want something to shake up your Friday? I just smiled…you see when I learned I was pregnant with our first child, it was on a Friday, in the emergency room, after my husband and I had been hit by a car while riding our motorcycle. He was severely injured, but thankfully recovered after nine months of physical therapy…I was thrown from the motorcycle and only suffered a small cut on my ankle…truly in landed in the palm of God’s hand. When I read about an family like Nienie’s or the tragedy in Haiti, I know what beauty there is in returning to an ordinary day…and understand how much a mother like Nienie treasures being able to bathe her children or fix their cereal. My own friend’s husband battled leukemia, and died 18 months later…she told me she would give anything for an ordinary Friday night with pizza and a movie at home…and now, too understands why I look forward to it! We must give what we can, but never diminish what we have as ordinary…others would covet our ordinary day right now.
I pray for you daily!
Mary Frances
Hillary @ The Other Mama
January 18, 2010 at 5:34 pmI am right there with you on the writing. It’s so hard to put it into words when none will cover their loss and none will justify our easy lives (compared to theirs). I just now wrote about it today- very poorly. But I tried.
And the Cheerios on my floor today were on the black rug (for all to see) and were eaten (I think) by one of the dogs.
Let’s hope.
Amanda
January 18, 2010 at 9:26 pmDarby… Just wanted to thank you for your wonderful idea about Craft Hope. I took your idea and donated two paintings. I just found your blog and I think it’s wonderful. Thank you for being such an encouragement.
Amanda
Jen
January 18, 2010 at 9:37 pmLove that last picture of your little reader – too cute – and the duck, who looks as if he slipped on the spilled O’s!
I’m a CBS junkie too – love it! 🙂
Christie
January 18, 2010 at 10:10 pmOh, that picture of the Cheerios on the floor looks just like my house did recently! I enjoy hearing about your ups and downs — it reminds me that I am not the only one!
Katherine @ Grass Stains
January 19, 2010 at 10:27 amI don’t think I’ve ever seen a more beautiful picture of spilled Cheerios!
Nancy
January 19, 2010 at 11:01 amDarby-
Saw your name in Southern Living. You must be so proud of your sister.
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